A tiny country with a total land area of just 277 square miles – making it almost 330 times smaller than the UK – holds the world’s strongest passport. Singapore, a country in south-east Asia, has secured the top spot in a prestigious ranking as it grants visa-free access to 193 countries out of 227 around the globe.
According to the latest Henley Passport Index, Singapore has retained its position as the holder of the world’s most powerful passport. Japan, a long-time leader, follows closely in second place alongside South Korea, offering access to 190 destinations, thanks to its renewed visa-free ties with China post-COVID.
The third position is shared by several EU member states, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, as well as Finland and South Korea.
With historical data spanning 19 years, the Henley Passport Index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA).
The index includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations. Updated monthly, it is considered a standard reference tool when assessing where a passport ranks on the global mobility spectrum.
The UK holds the sixth position in the global ranking and shares it with Australia.
Singapore is home to five million people from four major communities: Chinese (majority), Malay, Indian and Eurasian. Since its independence on August 9, 1965, the country has adopted a parliamentary democracy system.
At present, the government and the cabinet are led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong while President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is the Head of State.
According to its official website, one of the reasons that Singapore proves to be attractive as a home is the ease of living, particularly in terms of residence, transportation and governance system.
The website added: “Over the years, Singapore has made significant strides in many areas and has attracted an encouraging number of international accolades which recognize the city as vibrant and world-class.”